Lights of the World: A Recent AY Program (by Jonalyn)

A few minutes after it was announced that our Grade 10 class will do the AY program, HteeNayHtoo excitedly asked me if we can sing an English song for the group song. I immediately agreed, since it’s easier for me to read than the bubbly Karen language characters. 

Singing a Karen song  about wisdom from God.

We had a week to prepare. The roles for the program was all filled up by Monday morning. It was exciting, some were happy at their tasks, some were overwhelmed and nervous, and others just…thought they cannot do it.

They asked me to sing, even though they had an idea that I am not good at it (sometimes I think I am 30 miles out of tune).

When it comes to singing, my mind tells me I cannot, but before I opened my lips to discourage them with my refusal, I believe it was God’s working that I grabbed the opportunity to share a precious lesson to my students.

In Acts 31:28, we are commanded to proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. 

Singing our first group song in Karen, a new song that HteeNayHtoo,
one of my students taught us. I loved that pretty much all of them aimed
for a blessed AY, and got involved to make sure everything went smooth.

When we go up in front, in the chapel, to sing, tell story, share God’s love, say a Bible verse, encourage others—we are doing it for Christ. Our shyness could mean being full of ourselves, and Satan is happy with anything that hinder our work for God. Let me clear on that—why are we so conscious of what others are thinking about us when we are up front, instead of hiding ourselves behind the cross and praying that whoever is listening will get the blessings of our words and songs?

"Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." Exodus 4:12

We prayed for the AY everyday, and practiced our songs—praise God for other teachers who helped teach us the right tune. Here’s how it turned out:

EhKawKu (right) with his friend for the opening song. A day student (doesn't stay in the dorm) and a Buddhist, I could not believe my ears when he not only said he will come for AY, but also will sing a song with his friend. Please keep EhKawKu in your prayer list. He is a cheerful and respectful young man. 

SawKhuShee and Tharamu Haley singing "The Precious Blood" for AY offering, it goes like this:

*Oh, the precious blood 
That flowed from Mercy’s side 
Washed away my sin 
When Christ my Savior died 
Oh, the precious blood 
Of Christ the crucified 
It speaks for me before Your throne 
Where I stand justified

Memory verse: MaungSoeThein (boy) did Psalm 23 in English. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to hear HteeKuhSay's because she spoke softly. It was a long one. She's a very shy girl, but wait till she gets comfortable with you  and shows how sweet and thoughtful she is. (We were not able to get a good picture of them, so I added an old picture from our AY last school year. They look as young as before!)

MahShweWin's (left) turn for a special song. Her best friend PawWahWah and DeeAungShwee (not in pic) sang with her, as she was not comfortable singing up front alone. Isn't it nice to have friends that help you out of trouble? :)

SawEhShee recited the Old Testament books and MaLahJee did the New Testament in English.
SawEhShee forgot some English terms, so he finished in Karen :)

Laos-based missionary Eric Mundall was visiting Sunshine Orchard with his family that weekend.
We were blessed by his beautiful music using a saw like a violin. He played "Because He Lives."

EhDooMoo reciting Exodus 20:1-17 in English. If you were here, you would understand why it's always a challenge for the students to say things in English. They have the skills, but many of them are shy and just think that they cannot do it. This special AY, I praise God that the students decided to step out of their comfort zone, and  dared to face the language barrier.

Beautiful duet by Tharamu Hannah and SawPoEh

Now came PawWahWah's (middle) turn, and like her friend, she was too shy to sing alone, so her friends DeeAungShwe (left) and MaShweWin sang with her. Reminds me of Ecclesiastes 4:12 "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

KhinSanJee shared a story about using our talent for God's glory. EhDooMoo translated in English.

My dearest Erick and I sang "Stepping in the Light."

**How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior
Stepping in the light, stepping in the light...
Led in paths of life...

DeeAungShwe (left) giving encouragement and SawKhuShee translating in Karen. Not only that I was encouraged with what he shared about John 21:15-17, but also that he shared it in English... I expected him to do it in Karen. Well, he and SawKhuShee did a great job and I was on the edge of my seat, and praising God that these boys are boldly using their God-given abilities to share the Gospel!

DeeAungShwe during  Grade 9 and 10's AY program last year. I remember he did the same task then, except in Karen. Last year, I was with this inspiring young man during a 10-day medical missionary trip in the mountains of Burma. I learned that he was supposed to be the next-in-line witch doctor in his village... imagine their disappointment when they found out he got baptized. (photo credit: Hannah S.)

Ended with our group song in English, that HteeNayHtoo had been excited to pick out. 

May these young people let Jesus shine in their life

 May they remember the Precious blood that flowed from His side.

Some of them are still in the darkness, full of strife

But as they keep searching, God's wisdom they will find.

*The Precious Blood lyrics by Peter Gagnon
** Stepping in the Light lyrics by Eliza Hewitt